Switch connector



, Sept. 27, 1966 J. H. KREHBIEL 3,275,755

SWITCH CONNECTOR Filed sept. 15, 1964 United States Patent O 3,275,766 SWITCH CONNECTOR Jolm H. Krehbiel, Brookfield, Ill., assignor to Molex Products Company, DownersGrove, lll., a corporation of Illinois Filed Sept. 15, 1964, Ser. No. 396,631 3 Claims. (Cl. 200-51) The present invention relates to a novel connector for an electrical switch, and more specifically to a novel switch connector having particular utility as a combination phonograph record changer switch-amplifier connector. More particularly yet, the invention relates lto a unique connector for a snap action or slide switch for a record changer to simplify the connection of wires to the record changer and to an amplifier therefor.

The switch to which this invention relates, but to which the invention is not to be limited may be a conventional snap action or slide switch for use with a record changer of -a phonograph. Such a switch usually has a switch arm which actuates a record changer responsive to the position of a phonograph tone arm on a phonograph record or which may be actuated manually.

Typically such a switch is provided with a plurality of lead wires; and after securement ofthe switch to the record changer, the lead wires are connected operatively to a receptacle located some distance away. Other phonograph wires are provided for suitable connection to one or more amplifiers. Additionally, suitable lines are provided for electrical actuation of the record changer or phonograph motor.

As will be understood, each additional step in the assembly of a phonograph record changer requires additional expenditure of time and costs the manufacturer money, resulting in additional manufacturing costs which must be passed on to the ultimate consumer.

A pair vof wires from the record changer switch must be connected to the record changer motor. Other wires must be connected to one or Imore phonograph amplifiers. VAnd still other Wires are connected to an electrical receptacle.

Sequentially, the record changer switch must be connected to the record changer; a pair of Wires must be connected to the record changer or phonograph motor; and a plurality of wires must be connected to the phonograph amplifiers. As will be appreciated, making such individual connections takes additional time.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector device suitable for slip-on connection between a record changer switch and a record changer motor.

Another object is to provide a novel device for plugon connection between a record changer switch and an amplifier. l

A further object is to provide a novelcombination record changer switch and amplifier connector with means provided therebetween for connection of the switch to the record changer motor.

Another object is to provide a low cost connector for a record changer switch to connect the switch to both a record changer motor and to an amplifier, thus eliminating additional operations, including avoiding solder operations.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a switch connector having crimp on terminals.

These and yother objects of the invention will become clear from the following detailed discussion of the invention in conjunction with the appended claims and drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective View of an embodiice ment of the record changer switch and connector assem- V bly of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is an elevational View in section taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view in section ltaken along lines 4 4 of FIG. 2.

Referring now more specifically to the figures, a metallic switch housing 10 is shown in FIG. l, being generally cylindrical in shape and having a circumferential cutout portion 12 adapted to receive a switch arm 14 connected to a conventional record changer switch 20, FIG. 3.

Switch arm 14 has an outer end 16 and an inner end 18 secured to switch 20 fastened within the switch housing 10.

l Switch housing 10 is open at the Itop and is provided advantageously with a plurality of upwardly extending tabs 22, although ascrew m-ounti-ng may be used when a positive ground is required. The tabs are inserted into appropriate openings in the bottom 23, of a phonograph record changer' and are then bent over as indicated in FIG. 3 to secure the switch to the record changer.` The metal housing has a Ibottom 24 formed of an electrically insnlative material with a movable metal plate or shorting bar. 26, FIG. 2, positioned over the bottom to make electrical contact as moved by the switch mechanism 20.

Thebottom 24 has a plurality of longitudinally depending pins or protuberances 28, shown as cylindrical, which extend downwardly from the bottom of the housing. The pins 28 are connected suitably to the bottom of the housing, as by staking or the like, with a pair of the pins contactable by metal plate 26. (Obviously two pairs of pins would be engaged respectively by two metal plates inthe case of a double pole switch.) Another pin'niay be grounded by suitable connecting means to the mtallicsides of the housing. Alternatively, a pin formed integral with the record changer pan may be received in the receptacle for grounding.

A pair of leads 30, FIG. l, each lead having crimp-on terminals 32, 34 at its one end, is provided for connec- .tion to a record changer or phonograph motor. The motor terminals 32, 34 having openings 36, 38 adapted to fit over two of the male pins 40, 42. A connecting device or receptacle 44 formed of a moldable insnlative plastic completes a switch-connector assembly.` The phonograph motor is schematically partially shown at 45.

Receptacle 44 has a plurality of longitudinally extending substantial vertical lbores 46 therein generally in line with and adapted to receive the pins 28. The bores 46 are cylindrical in shape and have countersunk upper ends 48. The bores are suiciently large in diameter to receive a plurality of longitudinally extending pin type female terminals 50 of the crimp type, crimping on to amplifier wires 52 leading to an amplifier. The female terminals fit slidingly within the cylindrical bores and have a plurality ofoutwardly extending wings 56, FIG. l, which are pushed radially inwardly upon insertion of the terminals upwardly into the bore, but which tend to press radially outwardly against the inner sides of the bore to hold the terminals snugly within the bore.

The receptacle 44 provided is generally rectangular in shape but is not necessarily so and may be provided with the number of bores required dependent on the male pins provided in the record changer switch housing. The manner in which the female terminals 50 lit Within the receptacle bores should be #clear from FIGS. 1, 3, showing wings 56 adapted to hug the sides of the bore. The bore is provided with a counterbore 58 of slightly greater diameter than the balance of the bore so that once the u female lterminals have been inserted in the bore,` the wing-like, lateral flanges 56 arrest movement of the terminals` downwardly.

While a particular female terminal has been shown,

it should be clear that the example given is illustrative only and not limiting.

Positioning barriers or terminal supports are provided in the plastic receptacle to hold the terminals 32, 34 and comprises a slotted or cutout portion 60, FIG. 1, having a substantially flat horizontal surface extending radially outwardly from a pair of the receptacle bores and two cup-shaped or U-shaped outwardly extending supports 64 Y for the body 66 of the terminals.'` The parts can be reversed with the terminal supports formed on the underside of the insulating bottom 24. The cup-shaped sup-A Y port` surface` 64 has two sides and a'bottom which .are

stepped .down from the substantially flat upper surfaceI 60"so as to be generallyk complementary to the shape rrof the mot-or terminals and to hold the terminalsdirmly iny place when the male pins 28 are inserted in the female terminals 50, and to insulate the gterminals.l

The female terminals 50 are adaptedl to hug the outer y surface of the pins 2S resiliently; conventional inwardly directeddimples or fingers, not shown, similarto the outwardly directed wings 56 may be vprovided ,on the inner surface of the `fem-ale -terminals for the `purpose of firmly holding the outersurface of the male pins 28.l

Having now described the invention, its operation should be'clear; however, for purposesof a `better understanding thereof, its manner of operation ;will `be explained withoutnumerical reference. Y

Aplurality of downwardly extending male ,pins are securedk to 'the bottom of a conventional switch housing.` Crimp-on terminals or wires leading to a record changer;

or phonograph motor are provided with circular openings of substantially the sameV size as the outer circumference of the male pins and adapted to readily slide over the male pins. 4

A connector receptacle is yformed of moldable plastic material, as; of certain of the phenolic materials, to afford a high degree -of electrical insulation. rThe recep-4 tacleis provided with a'plurality of bores of the same number and in substantially lthe same location'with respect to one another, as the .male pinsfwhich are provided in the switch housing so as to :receive the pins therein..

The bores are `adapted to receive conventional pin type female terminals each having crimp-type `wire engaging wardly with respect to the bore after oncebeingy positioned therein. V Y

To connect the record changerlswitch to a phonograph or record changer motor and to an amplifier, it is .a relativelysimple matter utilizing the connector switch com-l bination provided. Pin type female terminals provided are crimped onto lthe ends of wires leading to an `amplifier and are then pushed into place within the 'receptacle v Y bores. `The. female terminals hug the sides ,of theiri respective bores to hold the ,terminalsrmly within-the bores against movement outwardly therefrom. End terminals connected to. wires leading to the record changer are provided with openings; which are merely slid into position over the Yswitch pins. The switch connector-receptacle is then positioned in line with. and beneath `the male pins, Yand itis pushed into position about the male fp'ins. 7 The` female terminals 'within ,the l boresdof -the connector firmly. secure the connector tto; the switch pins.

While a specific embodimentof Vthe invention hasbeen described above, the invention should not be limitedI thereto sin'ce many modifications of thein'vention may be made` Y by those skilled in thel art.` Thus, it is`contemplated by the ,appended claims `to Icoverall such modifications as Y fall within the true spirit .and scope of: the invention.`

The invention'is hereby claimed as follows:

i1. Aswitch connector, comprising =`ahousing having longitudinal'andy transverse dimensions, a transverse wall in Vsaid housing, a switch in said housing disposed `longitu-` dinally on Vone sideof 4said wall and including a moveable' switch operator, a pluralitytof connecting pins fixedlto saidV housing and extending from Vsaid transverseV wall longitudinally in the opposite direction from,` said switch and also extending through said Vtransverse wall toward said` switch, a complementary separable'electric connector.`

having a housing'with a plurality of female electric con nectors respectively detachably receiving said pins,` said connector-.housing having a pair of recesses each opening. Y longitudinally of saidY female .connectors and `laterally thereof, la pair ,of wires each having an faperturedfterminal, Y thereon, each-of said apertured terminals being receivedl on one of said pins Iand disposed in one of said connector v housing recesses, said `connector 'housing and said transverse wall of said ,first-mentioned'housing `cooperating to.

insulate said terminalselectrically.

2.` A switch connector'as' set-forth in lclaim 1 wherein each terminalvcomprises a sleeve crimped lon a wireand a lflat apertured end,the connector lhousing adjacent to each recess being steppedto provide a stepped.` recess, each recess respectively being complementaryto tone 'of said terminals.

3. A switch'connector as set forth Vin claim :2 wherein' the connector housing has a pair of` l-ateral projections respectively extending said resses..

No-references cited.`

ROBERT K.'SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner. D. SMITH, JR., Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SWITCH CONNECTOR, COMPRISING A HOUSING HAVING LONGITUDINAL AND TRANSVERSE DIMENSIONS, A TRANSVERSE WALL IN SAID HOUSING, A SWITCH IN SAID HOUSING DISPOSED LONGITUDINALLY ON ONE SIDE OF SAID WALL AND INCLUDING A MOVEABLE SWITCH OPERATOR, A PLURALITY OF CONNECTING PINS FIXED TO SAID HOUSING AND EXTENDING FROM SAID TRANSVERSE WALL LONGITUDINALLY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION FROM SAID SWITCH AND ALSO EXTENDING THROUGH SAID TRANSVERSE WALL TOWARD SAID SWITCH, A COMPLEMENTARY SEPARABLE ELECTRIC CONNECTOR HAVING A HOUSING WITH A PLURALITY OF FEMALE ELECTRIC CONNECTORS RESPECTIVELY DETACHABLY RECEIVING SAID PINS, SAID CONNECTOR HOUSING HAVING A PAIR OF RECESSES EACH OPENING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID FEMALE CONNECTORS AND LATERALLY THEREOF, A PAIR OF WIRES EACH HAVING AN APERTURED TERMINAL THEREON, EACH OF SAID APERTURED TERMINALS BEING RECEIVED ON ONE OF SAID PINS AND DISPOSED IN ONE OF SAID CONNECTOR HOUSING RECESSES, SAID CONNECTOR HOUSING AND SAID TRANSVERSE WALL OF SAID FIRST-MENTIONED HOUSING COOPERATING TO INSULATE SAID TERMINALS ELECTRICALLY. 